Haul of Fame: Iowa 80's Tribute to Trucks & Truckers
Visit the World's Largest Truckstop and Free Trucking Museum in Walcott, Iowa
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott, Iowa, houses more than 120 vehicles dating back to 1903, plus antique gas pumps, vintage signs, and trucking memorabilia. Located at Exit 284 off Interstate 80 next to the world's largest truckstop, it's worth a detour for anyone interested in American trucking history.
The Iowa 80 Trucking Museum in Walcott, Iowa, houses more than 120 vehicles dating back to 1903, plus antique gas pumps, vintage signs, and trucking memorabilia. Located at Exit 284 off Interstate 80, the museum and adjacent Iowa 80 Truckstop offer an interesting look into American trucking culture.
A Family Legacy
Bill Moon founded the Iowa 80 Truckstop in 1964 and began collecting antique trucks in the early 1970s. His passion for preserving trucking history grew into an extensive collection, but Moon passed away in 1992 before seeing it publicly displayed. His family opened the museum in 2008, fulfilling his vision of sharing trucking heritage with visitors.
The museum showcases rare trucks from different decades of trucking history. The memorabilia collection includes advertisements and trucking equipment. The REO Theatre adds another dimension with film presentations about trucking culture.
The Moon family maintains the business across three generations. After Bill Moon's death, his son Will took over leadership. Carolyn Moon remained involved until her passing in 2017. Today, Will, Delia, and Jill Moon continue their parents' commitment to serving drivers and travelers.
Each July, Iowa 80 Truckstop hosts the Walcott Truckers Jamboree, a three-day celebration of America's truckers. Last year's event drew 44,000 attendees for contests, exhibitions, and entertainment.
The Truckstop Experience
The Iowa 80 Truckstop operates 24/7, serving about 5,000 customers daily. With parking for 900 tractor-trailers, 250 cars, and 20 buses, the scale reflects 60 years of growth since Moon selected this spot along the planned Interstate 80 route.
Ten dining options include the Iowa 80 Kitchen, a 300-seat restaurant with an extensive buffet, plus a food court featuring Wendy's, Dairy Queen, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Caribou Coffee & Einstein Bros. Bagels.
The trucker superstore spans 10,000 square feet, while the Super Truck Showroom covers 30,000 square feet of chrome accessories, lighting, and trucking equipment. Full-size semi trucks on display offer photo opportunities and close-up views of modern hauling equipment.
Planning Your Visit
The museum offers free admission and displays trucks from more than a century of trucking history. Combined with the truckstop's dining and shopping options, visitors can spend anywhere from thirty minutes to several hours at the complex.
Iowa 80 Truckstop and Museum are located at Exit 284 off Interstate 80 in Walcott, Iowa. The museum is at 505 Sterling Dr. and the truckstop at 755 W. Iowa 80 Rd. For more information about the museum, visit https://iowa80truckingmuseum.com/. For truckstop details, visit https://iowa80truckstop.com/.
